Bach: Italian Concerto; French Overture

On this CD:

1. French Overture for keyboard in B minor, BWV 831
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Alfonso Fedi

2. Italian Concerto for keyboard solo in F major, BWV 971
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Alfonso Fedi

3. Sonata for keyboard in D minor (doubtful, arr. of BWV 1003) BWV 964
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Alfonso Fedi

4. Adagio for keyboard in G major, BWV 968
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Alfonso Fedi

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com

For those who want the most remembered passages of classical music's best-loved works, here's a package for you. On this bargain priced double-CD, you'll find music from 40 different classical composers; for the most part, the recordings excerpted here are some of the very best. Of course, you only get one Bach sampling (Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, played by the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra) and one Mozart (A Little Night Music conducted by Herbert von Karajan), but this is still a nice collection--perhaps the starting point for a budding collection of classical music. This set's downfall? Unfortunately, though the liner notes discuss the evolution of classical music chronologically, the tracks are programmed in alphabetical order by composer's last name. This makes for some startling transitions! Emil Gilels's reflective performance of the Adagio from Beethoven's "Moonlight" sonata is followed by the crashing cymbals and bombast of Carmen's "March of the Toreadors," a recipe for a heart attack if there ever was one. Still, there's something here for everyone and the liner notes even explain what movies this music can be found in. A nice touch. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Waste of money.......2006-01-12

Watch out for the volume leveling mentioned in another review. Surely the compliers could have come up with a better sort order than by composer. The change in tempo/volume between pieces makes it impossible to enjoy. My two CD's ended up in the trash.

Ken

Great Music Compilation.......2005-08-15

This is a great CD full of many songs that you will recognize and enjoy. If you are someone who likes classical music but doesn't necessarily know which songs or which composers you like, then this CD is for you. You will likely recognize many of the songs as the classical songs you would have picked out to be your favorites.

If you like classical music don't buy this CD........2005-03-11

Most of the tracks were chopped down to 3-4 minutes so some of the best parts of the compositions are missing. I don't know what I was thinking trying to buy 40 classical songs on two CD's. If you really want to enjoy the music you would do better to purchase a CD with fewer, but better quality tracks.

A must for anyone wanting the staples of classical music.......2005-02-23

In my years of experience teaching Fine Arts to high school students, I know that the majority, if not all, of the music included on this album is commonly used in collge music appreciation courses. This is an excellent sample of truly all the "greatest hits" of classical music. My students enjoy listening to the music and have later told me when take their required music apreciation courses in college that they "already know it all" because of this CD! The recordings are clear, the selections are passionate, and the listener will gain a familiarity with all of the most commonly heard classical music used in tv commercials, movies, etc.
I recommend this album, along with the boxed set, "Age of the Classics" for anyone who is interested in becoming familiar with the most famous staples of classical music.

A great compilation.......2005-02-09

This cd somes up some of the greatest pieces of instrumental (and is some cases choral) music ever written. It is a great starter for a beginning classical music lover or a quick and easy all-in-one for those of us who study classical music for a living. I highly recommend this cd to anyone who wants to love or already does love classical music.

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music

Average customer rating:

CD set is misnamed
Do not Buy
Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music
Seek better versions
It Is What It Is

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music

Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

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General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits
25 Classical Favorites
25 Romantic Classics
The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!
The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe

ASIN: B000003QWH
Release Date: 1994-06-09

Tracks:

Canon In D
'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 3: Allegro
The Four Seasons - The Winter: Largo And Allegro
Fanfare ('Masterpiece Theatre' Theme)
Camerata Romana: Air For The 'G' String
'Eine kleine Nachtmusik': Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 21 ('Elvira Madigan' Theme): Andante
Introduction To Symphony No. 5
'William Tell' Overture: Finale
'Aida': Triumphal March
On The Beautiful, Blue Danube Waltz
'The Nutcracker': Waltz Of The Flowers
'1812' Overture: Finale

Tracks:

Sabre Dance
'Light Cavalry' Overture: Finale
Carmen: The Toreadors
' Midsummer Night's Dream': Wedding March
Radetzky March
Symphony No. 9, 'Choral': Finale
'Prince Igor': Polovstian Dance No. 17
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Peer Gynt: Solveig's Song
Sleepers, Wake
Water Music: Hornpipe
Symphony No. 9, 'From The New World': Largo
Emperor Waltz
'Emperor' Quartet: St. Anthony's Chorale
'The Tales Of Hoffman': Barcarolle
L'Arlesienne: Farandole
'The Nutcracker': Dance Of The Mirlitons
'The Nutcracker': Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy
'Rhapsody In Blue': Highlight
'Orpheus In The Underworld': Can-Can

Tracks:

Introduction To 'Also sprach Zarathustra'
Symphony No. 4, 'Italian': Saltarello: Presto
Piano Concerto No. 20: Romance
'The Valkyrie': Ride Of The Valkyries
'The Four Seasons' - The Spring: Allegro
Toccata and Fugue
Trumpet Voluntary
'Royal Fireworks Music': la rejouissance: Allegro
'Moonlight' Sonata: Adagio Sostenuto
London Festival Orchestra: Overture To 'The Barber Of Seville'
Piano Concerto No. 2: Adagio Sostenuto

Tracks:

Carmina Burana: Introduction To 'Carmina Burana'
Peer Gynt: Dawn From 'Peer Gynt'
Lohengrin: Prelude To 'Lohengrin'
'Lieutenant Kije': Troika From 'Lieutenant Kije'
Adiago For Strings
'Carmen': Habanera From 'Carmen'
'Double' Concerto: Allegro From 'Double' Concerto
The Marriage Of Figaro: Overture To 'The Marriage Of Figaro'
(Rondo) Alla Turca
Xerxes: Largo From 'Xerxes'
Symphony No. 5: Allegro vivace From Symphony No. 5
'Swan Lake': Scene: Enchanted Lake From 'Swan Lake'
Clair De Lune
Bolero

Customer Reviews:

CD set is misnamed.......2007-06-08

They should have titled this "classical music for people who love classical music" because most of the selections are typical classical music. The title suggests it would be lively selections of "light classical" music that is more upbeat, i.e. Sabre Dance, etc. I really don't hate classical music at all and have many classical CDs in my collection but I really wanted to hear more exciting selections. I won't be purchasing any more of this set but if you like traditional classical music these are good one.

Do not Buy.......2007-02-21

I do know it says classical music for people who hate it, but serioulsly you would have better luck never listening to classical music again. The recordings are awfull and do not do justice to any of the composers. Buy something else.

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music.......2007-01-30

We love this set of CD's. I just got a new copy because my kids keeping taking our first copy with them so that they can listen at work or in their bedrooms but then I can never find them.

Seek better versions.......2006-12-09

If you are fairly new to classical purchases then compilation CD's can be useful for deciding what to buy next. Sometimes you only need a small taste of a piece to inspire you to buy a release with the whole performance on. The problem with this compilation however is that most of the versions are poor in performance or recording quality (or both) when compared to the best versions and the fact that the conductors aren't even credited on the track listing made me suspect that this would be the case. One of my favorite classical pieces is Tchaikovsky's 1812 festival overture but if the first CD version I had heard had been the finale excerpt that is on this compilation I may not have gone on to buy the whole thing. Luckily I heard Adrian Leaper's version first and Adrian's version is rather good.
My classical CD buying experience is limited to only a couple of dozen discs but I have found that the Naxos and Deutshe Grammophon releases are fairly safe. Avoid any release which does not name the conductors on the track listing or sleeve notes.

It Is What It Is.......2006-10-27

It's fitting that this page is fraught with the same kind of silly snobbery that turns people off from classical music (and necessitates collections like this) in the first place.

Any criticism of this compilation, which focuses on the quality of the performances or the fact that many tracks are excerpts, misses the point. This is not a collection for people who consider such things, nor does it purport to be. The idea is to package as many ultra-famous classical melodies as possible in one affordable collection and market it to people who have never purchased a classical recording. As such, top-tier performances are likely too expensive to be sold so cheaply and are unnecessary anyway. Those of us who already know and love a piece or two can forgive the compilers the inclusion of sub-par recordings, when we are exposed to so many other beautiful pieces for the first time.

It probably comes as a shock for some to hear that most people are not familiar with these classics. We may hear snippets on TV or movies, but are left with no idea as to the composer or historical context. With that in mind, it is extremely intimidating to begin buying classical. I suppose those among us, who so thoroughly dismissed the very notion of a boxed set like this, would have us begin by buying full albums by reputable interpreters. Surprisingly enough though, the majority of people would consider that a tad cost-prohibitive.

To conclude, this is a STARTER collection. It will either affirm a listener's feelings about classical music or lead to an interest in purchasing better recordings. Ideally, I suppose the interpretations would be better, but, for reasons mentioned above, that just isn't in the cards for a collection of this nature. If you're familiar with 50 different recordings of "The Ring" series, or have season tickets to the New York Philharmonic, then this probably isn't for you. For us cretins with limited foreknowledge of classical music though, it serves as a succinct introduction with little to complain about.

Average customer rating:

Good compilation- of bits and pieces
Good and inexpensive collection

Best Classics 100 Volume 1

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
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Best Classics 100 Volume 2
100 Best Opera Classics
100 Best Film Classics
100 Best Piano Classics
100 Best Baroque

ASIN: B000GPIPQA
Release Date: 2006-08-29

Tracks:

The Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba - Sir Neville Marriner
I. Allegro - Yehudi Menuhin
Toccata In D Minor BWV565 - Wayne Marshall
III. Rondo (Allegro Vivace) - Barry Tuckwell
I. Allegro Con Brio - Philharmonia Orchestra
1812 Overture - Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No.9 In D Minor Choral Op.125 - The Westminster Choir
I. Allegro Molto Moderato - Cecile Ousset
Alla Marcia - Halle Orchestra
Jupiter, The Bringer Of Jollity - Philharmonia Orchestra
I. Allegro Non Troppo E Molto Maestoso - Horacio Gutierrez
Symphonic Poem, Op.26 - Halle Orchestra
Gloria All'egitto - Chorus Of The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
Montagues And Capulets - The Philadelphia Orchestra
Radetzky March - Willi Boskovsky
Pomp And Circumstance March No.1 - Royal Choral Society
I. Allegro Ma Non Tanto - Mikhail Rudy
Symphony No.3 In C Minor Organ Op.78 - Mathias Eisenberg

Tracks:

Air On The G String - Sir Neville Marriner
Dance Of The Blessed Spirits - New Philharmonia Orchestra
Canon In D - Sir Neville Marriner
II. Adagio - Sabine Meyer
Aria - Julia
Adagio In G Minor - Sir Neville Marriner
I. Adagio Sostenuto - Dame Moura Lympany
II. Andantino - James Galway
II. Andante - Yehudi Menuhin
II. Andante - Stephen Hough
II. Largo - Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra
II. Adagio - Yehudi Menuhin
Nimrod - London Symphony Orchestra
II. Adagio - Julian Bream
The Lark Ascending - Migel Kennedy
IV. Adagietto - New Philharmonia Orchestra
Variation 18 - Cecile Ousset

Tracks:

Au Fond Du Temple Saint - Nicolai Gedda
Song To The Moon - Lucia Popp
Dome Epais - Mady Mesple
La Fleur Que Tu M'avais Jetee - Nicolai Gedda
Che Faro Senza Euridice - Agnes Balsta
Casta Diva - Maria Callas
Che Gelida Manina - Roberto Alagna
O Mio Babbino Caro - Angela Gheorghiu
Bailero: Chants D'Auvergne - Victoria De Los Angeles
Vogliatemi Bene - Carlo Bergonzi
Va, Pensiero - Chorus Of The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
Es Lebt' Eine Vilja - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Ombra Mai Fu - Richard Lewis
Ave Maria - Gerald Moore
Minuit, Chretiens - Roberto Alagna
Nessun Dorma - Jose Carreras

Tracks:

Overture - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Jesus Bleibet Meine Freude - Sir Neville Marriner
I. Allegro - Emil Gilels
Trumpet Voluntary - Maurice Andre
Judex - Halle Orchestra
Overture - Polish Chamber Orchestra
Sarabande - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
Waltz Of The Flowers - Andre Previn
Troika - London Philharmonic Orchestra
Fantasia On Greensleeves - Sir John Barbirolli
Clair De Lune - Dame Moura Lympany
Scene Act II, No.10 - Andre Previn
Cavatina - Manuel Barrueco
II. Romance (Larghetto) - Garrick Ohlsson
My Heart Will Go On - Orchestra
Time To Say Goodbye - Orchestra
Walzer, Op.314 - Berliner Philharmoniker

Tracks:

Cavaleria Rusticana - Philharmonia Orchestra
II. Adagio Sostenuto (Opening) - Cecile Ousset
Morning - Sir Neville Marriner
Romance - Piers Lane
Adagio For Strings - Philadelphia Orchestra
The Story Of The Kalender Prince - Philadelphia Orchestra
Meditation - Anne-Sophie Mutter
Prince Igor - Beecham Choral Society
Adagio Of Spartacus And Phrygia - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Fantasy Overture - Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra
II. Allegretto - Philharmonia Orchestra
II. Largo Ma Non Tanto - Yehudi Menuhin
Schindler's List Theme - Tasmin Little
Dance Of The Reed Flutes - Andre Previn
V. Allegretto - The Philadelphia Orchestra

Tracks:

Zadok The Priest - Royal Choral Society
Zion Hort Die Wachter - Suddeutscher Madrigalchor
Miserere Mei, Deus - Stephen Cleobury
Sanctus - Chor der St. Hedwigs-Kathedrale
Panis Angelicus - Halle Choir
L'Enfance Du Christ - Choeurs Rene Duclos
Sanctus - Heinz Hoppe
In Paradisum - Peter Barley
Laudate Dominum - Edda Moser
Cantique De Jean Racine - MONKS AND CHOIRBOYS OF DOWNSIDE ABBEY
Ingemisco - Luciano Pavarotti
Ave Verum Corpus K618 - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
I Know That My Redeemer Liveth - Elizabeth Harwood
The Heavens Are Telling - John Shirley-Quirk
Pie Jesu - Victoria De Los Angeles
Lacrimosa - David Bell
Hallelujah Chorus - Ambrosian Singers

Customer Reviews:

Good compilation- of bits and pieces.......2007-07-02

I was excited to see such a great collection of classics, but I was really disappointed to listen and discover that many tracks are shortened dramatically. A fraction of Rhapsody in Blue- a ridiculously short fragment of Bethoveen Ninth Symphony- "Ode to Joy" a tiny part of the first movement of Rachmoninov's Piano Concerto no.3.

I'd rather have fewer tracks and the complete movements.

Good and inexpensive collection.......2007-03-17

EMI's Best Classics 100 provides six CDs with seven hours of selected classical music. The cover does a poor job of portraying who does the selecting and who performs the piece -- information inside however does detail the symphonies being recorded. Recordings from the Polish Chamber, Berlin Symphonies, Royal Philharmonic etc are mentioned. The recording quality is good and the price is low, representing a good purchase for a general collection.

Average customer rating:

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

Simply the Best Classical Anthems

Manufacturer: Erato
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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

ASIN: B00004SUVI
Release Date: 2000-04-25

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Simply The Best Classical Anthems

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you accept such an invitation?

Hope you found this review helpful.

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

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

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

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

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

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

These CDs has a good transfer from the analogue tapes; there is no hiss or fuzziness. The packaging hearkens back to 2001: A Space Odyssey, with the black monolith. And appropriately, "Also Sprach Zarathustra" is the opening track on Disk 2.

Bach: The Six French Suites
Average customer rating:

Bach French Suites -- Andras Schiff, Pianist

Andras vs. Andrei

Schiff not quite his best, but nevertheless most enjoyable

NOT SCHIFF'S STRONG SUIT, THESE SIX FRENCH "SWEETS" OF BACH

Interesting, delightful CD

Bach: The Six French Suites

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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Bach: English Suites BWV 806-811

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Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1

J.S. Bach: Goldberg Variations

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ASIN: B0000041ZG
Release Date: 1993-08-10

Tracks:

French Suite No.1 In D Minor, BWV 812: I. Allemande
French Suite No.1 In D Minor, BWV 812: II. Courante
French Suite No.1 In D Minor, BWV 812: III. Sarabande
French Suite No.1 In D Minor, BWV 812: IV. Menuet I
French Suite No.1 In D Minor, BWV 812: V. Menuet II
French Suite No.1 In D Minor, BWV 812: VI. Gigue
French Suite No.2 In C Minor, BWV 813: I. Allemande
French Suite No.2 In C Minor, BWV 813: II. Courante
French Suite No.2 In C Minor, BWV 813: III. Sarabande
French Suite No.2 In C Minor, BWV 813: IV. Air
French Suite No.2 In C Minor, BWV 813: V. Menuet I
French Suite No.2 In C Minor, BWV 813: VI. Menuet II
French Suite No.2 In C Minor, BWV 813: VII. Gigue
French Suite No.3 In B Minor, BWV 814: I. Allemande
French Suite No.3 In B Minor, BWV 814: II. Courante
French Suite No.3 In B Minor, BWV 814: III. Sarabande
French Suite No.3 In B Minor, BWV 814: IV. Anglaise
French Suite No.3 In B Minor, BWV 814: V. Menuet - Trio
French Suite No.3 In B Minor, BWV 814: VI. Gigue
French Suite No.4 In E Flat Major, BWV 815: I. Allemande
French Suite No.4 In E Flat Major, BWV 815: II. Courante
French Suite No.4 In E Flat Major, BWV 815: III. Sarabande
French Suite No.4 In E Flat Major, BWV 815: IV. Gavotte
French Suite No.4 In E Flat Major, BWV 815: V. Air
French Suite No.4 In E Flat Major, BWV 815: VI. Menuet
French Suite No.4 In E Flat Major, BWV 815: VII. Gigue

Tracks:

French Suite No.5 In G Major, BWV 816: I. Allemande
French Suite No.5 In G Major, BWV 816: II. Courante
French Suite No.5 In G Major, BWV 816: III. Sarabande
French Suite No.5 In G Major, BWV 816: IV. Gavotte
French Suite No.5 In G Major, BWV 816: V. Bourr
French Suite No.5 In G Major, BWV 816: VI. Loure
French Suite No.5 In G Major, BWV 816: VII. Gigue
French Suite No.6 In E Major, BWV 817: I. Allemande
French Suite No.6 In E Major, BWV 817: I. Courante
French Suite No.6 In E Major, BWV 817: II. Sarabande
French Suite No.6 In E Major, BWV 817: IV. Gavotte
French Suite No.6 In E Major, BWV 817: V. Polonaise
French Suite No.6 In E Major, BWV 817: VI. Menuet
French Suite No.6 In E Major, BWV 817: VII. Bourr
French Suite No.6 In E Major, BWV 817: VIII. Gigue
Italian Concerto In F Major, BWV 971: I. (Allegro)
Italian Concerto In F Major, BWV 971: II. Andante
Italian Concerto In F Major, BWV 971: III. Presto
French Overture (Partita) In B Minor, BWV 831: I. Ouverture
French Overture (Partita) In B Minor, BWV 831: II. Courante
French Overture (Partita) In B Minor, BWV 831: III. Gavottes I & II
French Overture (Partita) In B Minor, BWV 831: IV. Passepieds I & II
French Overture (Partita) In B Minor, BWV 831: V. Sarabande
French Overture (Partita) In B Minor, BWV 831: VI. Bourr I & II
French Overture (Partita) In B Minor, BWV 831: VII. Gigue
French Overture (Partita) In B Minor, BWV 831: VIII. Echo

Customer Reviews:

Bach French Suites -- Andras Schiff, Pianist.......2007-01-22

The genius and humanity of J.S. Bach are nowhere on better display than his French Suites, and this recording does not dissapoint. Andras Schiff gives us his usual flawless and inspired interpration of Bach and reminds us how pleased the old master would have been to hear his works played on a modern piano. The inclusion of Bach's Italian Concerto and Partita in B flat minor are an additional treat on the CD. This is a must-own collection for anyone who claims to have more than a passing interest in baroque masterpieces and no better recording of Bach's French Suites will be found anywhere.

Andras vs. Andrei.......2001-11-20

The reason I brought this CD is mainly for my comparison with the Andrei Gavrilov on the French suite no. 5. My conclusion is: In many ways, I think Schiff seems to be trying very hard to make the piano sounds like harpsichord while playing all those baroque music. In a big contrast, Gavrilov has totally captured the very nature of piano and played the no. 5 suite so beautifully!!

Schiff not quite his best, but nevertheless most enjoyable.......2001-08-06

I must admit that despite admiring most of Schiff's version(s) of J.S. Bach's works, I don't think that he has most of these pieces as highly refined / polished as some of his other pieces. Nevertheless, despite being slightly off his peak doesn't mean that he's any less than Gould; in fact, the amount of thought put into his playing (including embellishments!) is considerably more intelligent than Gould's. This recording merits the full 5 stars, but not the special 6 stars that Schiff so obviously deserves with some of his other recordings of other works.

NOT SCHIFF'S STRONG SUIT, THESE SIX FRENCH "SWEETS" OF BACH.......2000-07-18

What a fundamentally ludicrous way to play Bach! This isn't a rendition of six individual suites... it's 82 minutes of one gigantic "French Suite," period. Schiff doesn't penetrate, doesn't differentiate. No, not at all. The light and dark hues inherent in this music he rides roughshod over completely. He contents himself with merely skittering around the keyboard, mostly, and because of this there is a "sameness" about every movement that borders on absolutely incredible tediousness. Under Schiff's fingers, Bach cannot "breathe." The pianist, in a whirlwind, allows no real ebb and flow, no real give and take. Emotion and depth just seem to elude him completely. It's a "rush job," a disservice to Bach and the French Suites, and the kind of pianism that stereotypifies what people of a non-classical bent think Bach's music is: monotonous. (One simply need listen to Wolfgang Rubsam's performances of Bach's English Suites on Naxos to realize just how Bach can sound.)

Schiff continues droning on with his homogenous renditions of the French Overture in Bm and the Italian Concerto in F, both also included on the second disc of the set. Now, ordinarily, I would rejoice at the inclusion of these exceptional works. Unfortunately, not in this case. And not at Schiff's tedious, monochromatically hectic, superficial pianism. To add insult to injury, the London sound image is typically ambient and adds yet another annoying element into the mix.

There's more here than Mr. Schiff would lead us to believe. Much, much more.

Interesting, delightful CD.......2000-01-13

András Schiff is one of the best Bach players among Gould, Rosalyn Tureck and Wanda Landowska. On Schiff's French Suites, every part from every suite has a different color and gives you different feeling. Every harmony is taken to its end with care, and dynamic balance is always delightful to listen. Articulation of the notes is excellent, full of humour, and in some places you surely start to smile and you feel very happy when you listen to Schiff. He also plays the slow parts very deeply and warmly, which is for some artists a big problem when playing Bach. There are also Italian Concerto and French Overture on the CD's, played brilliantly, so this set is really worth buying. Recommended for everyone.

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

Average customer rating:

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

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00008L428
Release Date: 2003-02-13

Average customer rating:

I can name that tune in three notes
A Fabulous CD
Mega-Sampler! This really does have 99 tracks!
Fun Sampler
Useful.

Idiot's Guide to Classical Music

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Scott Joplin: Greatest Hits
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Classical Music
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ASIN: B000003FPT
Release Date: 1995-02-14

Tracks:

Adagio
Air on the G String: Air on the G String, Excerpt
Brandenburg Concerto: Third Movement, Excerpt
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Excerpt
Tocatta & Fugue: Excerpt
Adagio for Strings: Excerpt
Synphony No. 5: First Movement, Excerpt
Symphony No. 9: Fourth Movement, Excerpt
Fse: Excerpt
Turkish March: Turkish March, Excerpt
Moonlight Sonata: Excerpt
Symphonie Fantastique: March Ot the Scaffold, Excerpt
Damnation of Faust: Excerpt
Carmen - Habanera: Habanera, Excerpt
Toreador Song [From Carmen]
Minuet: Minuet, Excerpt
Prince Igor: Polovtsian Dance No 17, Excerpt
Hungarian Dance No. 5: No 5, Excerpt
Lullaby: No 4, Lullaby, Excerpt
"Minute" Waltz: Excerpt
Grande Valse Brillante: Excerpt
Marche Fune: Marche Fune
Appalachian Spring: Excerpt
Fanfare for the Common Man: Excerpt
Clair de Lune: Excerpt
Prelude to the Afternoon: Excerpt
Lakm Flower Duet: Flower Duet, Excerpt
Symphony No. 9 "New World": Second Movement, "Going Home" Theme, ...
The Sorcerer's Apprentice: Excerpt
Pomp & Circumstance: Excerpt
El Amor Brujo
Pavane: Excerpt
Rhapsody in Blue: Excerpt
American in Paris: Excerpt
Funeral March of Marionette: Excerpt
Piano Concerto in a Minor: Excerpt
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 - Morning: Morning, Excerpt
Messiah - Hallelujah Chorus: Hallelujah Chorus, Excerpt
Water Music - Hornpipe: Hornpipe, Excerpt
Symphony No. 94 "Surprise": Second Movement, Excerpt
The Planets - Mars: Mars, Excerpt
Sabre Dance: Sabre Dance, Excerpt
Pagliacci: Vesti la Giubba, Excerpt
Hungarian Rhapsody
Liebestraum No. 3: No 3, Excerpt
Cavalleria Rusticana - Intermezzo: Intermezzo, Excerpt
Midsummer Night's Dream - Wedding March: Wedding March, Excerpt
Symphony No. 4 "Italian": Fourth Movement, Excerpt
Rondeau: No 1, Rondeau
Piano Concerto No. 21: Andante, Excerpt
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik: First Movement, Excerpt
The Marriage of Figaro - Overture: Overture, Excerpt
Sonata in A - Rondo Alla Turca: Rondo Alla Turca, Excerpt
Symphony No. 40: First Movement, Excerpt
Night on Bald Mountain: Excerpt
Pictures at an Exhibition - Great Cave of Kiev: Great Gate of ...
Barcarolle: Barcarolle, Excerpt
Orpheus in Hades - Theme II: Excerpt (Theme)
Carmina Burana - O Fortuna: O Fortuna, Excerpt
Canon: Canon, Excerpt
Romeo & Juliet - Montagues & Capulets: Montagues & Capulets, Excerpt
Lt. Kije's Wedding: Lt. Kije's Wedding, Excerpt
Turandot - Nessun Dorma: Nessun Dorma, Excerpt
Piano Concerto No. 2: Second Movement, Excerpt
Symphony No. 2: Third Movement, Opening, Excerpt
Rhapsody on a Theme: Variation 18, Excerpt
Bolero
Flight of the Bumblebee
Concierto de Aranjuez - Adagio: Adagio, Excerpt
The Barber of Seville - Overture: Excerpt
The Barber of Sville - Largo Al Factotum: Largo Al Factotum, Excerpt
William Tell Overture - Theme II: Excerpt
Danse Macabre: Excerpt
Gymnope No. 1
Symphony N0. 8 "Unfinished": Excerpt
Ave Maria: Excerpt
Finlandia [Finale: Finale, Excerpt]
Valse Triste: No 1, Valse Triste, Excerpt
Stars & Stripes Forever: Excerpt
Semper Fidelis: Excerpt
Blue Danube Waltz: Excerpt
Tales from the Vienna Woods: Excerpt
Also Sprach Zarathustra: Fanfare, Excerpt
Firebird - Infernal Dance & Main Theme: Infernal Dance & Main ...
The Nutcracker - Waltz of the Flowers: Waltz of the Flowers, Excerpt
Swan Lake - Waltz: Waltz, Excerpt
Sleeping Beauty -: Waltz, Excerpt
Romeo & Juliet - Theme II: Theme LL, Excerpt
Piano Concerto No. 1 - Opening: Opening, Excerpt
1812 Overture - Finale: Finale, Excerpt
Fantasia on "Greensleeves": Excerpt
Alda - Grand March: Grand March, Excerpt
Il Trovatore - Anvil Chorus: Anvil Chorus, Excerpt
Requiem - Dies Irae: Dies Irae, Excerpt
Rigoletto - La Donna Mobile: La Donna Mobile, Excerpt
The Four Seasons "Spring" - Allegro: Allegro, Excerpt
The Four Season "Winter" - Largo: Largo, Excerpt
Lohengrin - Bridal Chorus: Bridal Chorus, Excerpt
Die WalkRide of the Valkyries: Ride of the Valkyries, Excerpt

Customer Reviews:

I can name that tune in three notes.......2005-02-19

My family likes to put this disc in on shuffle and play name that tune. I wish they made more discs like this, only with more obscure works.

A Fabulous CD.......2004-10-14

The Idiot's Guide to Calssical Music is an awesome Cd for those people who want to have a tiny sample of all the great classical compositions. Track 61 and 63 are my favorite.

Mega-Sampler! This really does have 99 tracks!.......2002-03-20

Yes, this CD really does have 99 tracks. How do they do it? Each is about a minuet long. Some are longer, some are shorter, but you get the micro-essential moments of the music.

If you like burning your own CDs, then this is a great source for intra-track fillers, along the lines of They Might Be Giants' "Apollo 18" album, which has all of those short tracks on the end. The idea is to put your CD player on shuffle, so the short tracks get mixed in with the bona fide songs. The result being a very unusual album.

The booklet gives an explanation of the track, where you heard it (i.e. the Warner Brother's Cartoons, or on famous films), and where you can get the full piece of music. So it's a mega sampler CD.

I can honestly say that this CD is a great gift for the friend who has everything.

Fun Sampler.......2001-11-09

For the beginner. You will be surprised at how many of the 99 themes you recognize here. It is an easy introduction to classical music. Nice booklet too.

Useful........1999-03-22

Take it for what it is, a clever and useful GUIDE to classical music. No, it is NOT an uncut rendition of Beethoven's 9th symphony. It IS a cd that will jog your memory. You have heard many of the tunes presented here, but not always knowing what the work was. This is your chance to catch up with all the great classical music you have been exposed to. Cheap too.

Average customer rating:

you can't beat it for the price
BEAUTIFUL AND ENCHANTING MUSIC
Best CD Ever....
20 Classical Favorites
Great CD

20 Classical Favorites

Manufacturer: Madacy Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000000K6T
Release Date: 1995-04-16

Tracks:

Nutcraker-Suite: Dance Of The Reed Flutes
Moonlight Sonata In C- Sharp Minor, Op.27 - 2: Adagio Sostenuto
Fantasy In D-Minor K. 397
Minute Waltz In D Flat Major, Op. 64 No.1
Thus Spoke Zoroaster
Prelude No.1, BWV 846
The Thieving Magpie: Overture
Les Toreadors: Carmen
The Four Seasons: Winter
The Messiah: Halelujah
Turkish March - W.A. Mozart
For Elise
Swanlake: Czardas - Tchaikovsky
Slavonic Dance No. 1
Ave Maria
Fireworks Music: Allegro
Menuetto K.525 - W.A. Mozart
The Barber Of Sevilla: Overture
Canon In D-major For String Orchestra
Lohengrin: Prelude III Act

Customer Reviews:

you can't beat it for the price.......2001-12-10

I can't remember why I bought this cd but I can't be happier that I did. What a pleasant surprise. A disk of 20 songs for about [price]. Very nicely arranged and perfect for relaxing, driving, or work.

BEAUTIFUL AND ENCHANTING MUSIC.......2000-06-14

You won't regret purchasing this amazing classical cd, with many well known tunes played on instruments such as the violin and piano. Pachelbel's Canon and Vivaldi's Winter from The Four Seasons are, in my opinion, the two best songs on the cd.

Best CD Ever...........2000-04-19

This CD was excellent. I just received it today and so far its one of the best CD's in my collection. I recommend this CD to anyone who enjoys a wide variety of classical music.

20 Classical Favorites.......2000-03-23

This is a really nice collection. It is like a sampler of some of the best classical works. Well conducted and played. A terrific value for money. I highly recomend it to anyone from beginner to seasoned listener.

Great CD.......1999-09-05

This CD is definitely one of my favorites. It has all of the great composers and a great selection of their works. Every recording is very good quality. I have to give it an A++

Average customer rating:

Canadian Brass is COOL!
Bold and Brassy
The Comical Yet Excellent Recording
Canadian Brass Strikes Again!
great!

Bolero & Other Blockbusters

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Go For Baroque! - The Canadian Brass
Basin Street
Best of the Canadian Brass
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Red Hot Jazz: The Dixieland Album

ASIN: B000003FVD
Release Date: 1995-06-13

Tracks:

2001 Theme
Concerto For Two Trumpets: Allegro
Sarabande
Bolero
Turkish March
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Rondeau
Music From The Royal Fireworks
Lord Nelson Mass: Gloria
Xerxes: Largo
Minute Waltz
Toreador Song
Sonata No.11: Turkish Rondo
Cor Royale
Sleeping Beauty: Overture
Nutcracker: Waltz Of The Flowers
La Gioconda: Dance Of The Hours
The Glow-Worm
Peer Gynt: In The Hall Of The Mountain King
Gaite Parisienne: Can-Can
Jerusalem
La Virgen de la Macarena
Aida: Grand March
Guadeamus Igitur
Overture To H.M.S. Pinafore
Golyardes' Grounde
Farewell Anthem

Customer Reviews:

Canadian Brass is COOL!.......2007-04-11

Brass virtuosos offer familiar pieces in refreshing way. Great listening!

Bold and Brassy.......2006-05-10

You either like the sound of brass instruments or you don't. I do. I especially like them in the hands of competent musicians playing tunes I like (mostly), I like this album.

It's a hodgepodge of mostly very short pieces and not all of them are "classical" although that is the main thrust of the work. Intermixed with Handel's MUSIC FROM THE ROYAL FIREWORKS and Ravel's BOLERO you will find such pieces as the CAN-CAN or GLOWWORM. It's all very enjoyable.

The Comical Yet Excellent Recording.......2004-09-15

This CD absolutely shows the absolute talent in the absolute Canadian Brass. These short little songs might be abused, but they showed the great skills the players had. The tuba was heard clearly in one of the song's end. Trombone had a lot of solo that showed hard technique, and the trumpets are surprisingly outstanding! The French horn might not be heard quite easily, but it was played fantastically good.
Great recording for sure, all famous songs, and some great classical ballads.

Canadian Brass Strikes Again!.......2000-06-01

This is a fun cd to listen to. The recording is very clear and crisp, each instrument shines. Also, the cover photo is comical. I have several other Canadian Brass recordings and I think they are all interesting. A truly talented band of skillful musicians.

great!.......1999-08-31

This is a truly splendid CD. Each song is wonderfully played and Arranged. In turkish rondo, the french horn player and the trumpets do a great job. And in Sarbande by Handel, and Bolero by Ravel, htey do even better! Two big thumbs up!

Average customer rating:

Greatest Collection of Classical I have.
This is not a good digital recording

Classics for Lovers

Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Canon In D Major - CLASSICS FOR LOVERS
Piano Concerto No.21 'Elvira Madigan': Andante - CLASSICS FOR LOVERS
Pagliacci: Vesti la giubba - CLASSICS FOR LOVERS
Madame Butterfly: Un bel di - CLASSICS FOR LOVERS
Romeo And Juliet: Fantasy Overture - CLASSICS FOR LOVERS
Polovstian Dances 8 And 17: Prince Igor - CLASSICS FOR LOVERS
Tristan And Isolde: Overture - CLASSICS FOR LOVERS
Symphony No.3, 'Organ': Poco adagio - CLASSICS FOR LOVERS

Tracks:

Air For The 'G' String - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Moonlight Sonata: Adagio sostenuto - Dubravka Tomsic
Swan Lake: Suite - Scene: Enchanted Lake - London Festival Orchestra
Piano Concerto No.2: Adagio sostenuto - Garrison Kent
Clair de lune - Anna Lelkes
Aida: Celeste, Aida - Jose Perez
La Boheme: Che gelida manina - Jose Perez
Symphony No.9, 'From The World': Largo - Berlin Symphony Orchestra
Martha: Ach, so Fromm - Jose Perez
The Planets, Op.32: Venus (The Bringer Of Peace) - Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Bolero - Radio Symphony Orchestra

Tracks:

'Peer Gynt' Suite: Morning Song - Slavonic Philharmonic Orchestra
Xerxes: Largo - London Festival Orchestra
Piano Concerto No.20: Romance - Svetlana Stanceva
The Nutcracker Suite: Arabian Dance - Berlin Festival Orchestra
Pavan - London Festival Orchestra
The Afternoon Of A Faun: Prelude - London Festival Orchestra
Giselle: Adagio: Waltz - Philharmonia Orchestra Of London
The Carnival Of The Animals: The Swan - London Festival Orchestra
Eine kleine Nachtmusik: Romanze: Andante - Camerata Academica
The Tales Of Hoffman: Barcarolle - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo - London Festival Orchestra
Daphnis And Chloe - Slavonic Philharmonic Orchestra

Tracks:

The Sleeping Beauty Suite: Pas d'action: Andante - CLASSICS FOR LOVERS
Scheherazade: The Young Prince And Young Princess - CLASSICS FOR LOVERS
Clarinet Concerto In A Major: Adagio - CLASSICS FOR LOVERS
On The Beautiful, Blue Danube - CLASSICS FOR LOVERS
Dawn Until Noon On The Sea: La Mer - CLASSICS FOR LOVERS
Carmen: Intermezzo - CLASSICS FOR LOVERS
Carmen: Seguidilla - CLASSICS FOR LOVERS
Carmen: Habanera - CLASSICS FOR LOVERS
Carmen: Nocturne - CLASSICS FOR LOVERS
Carmina Buraba: Omnia sol temperat - CLASSICS FOR LOVERS
Carmina Buraba: Amor volat undique - CLASSICS FOR LOVERS
Carmina Buraba: Dies, nox et omnia - CLASSICS FOR LOVERS
Symphony No.6, 'Pathetique': Adagio lamentoso: Andante - CLASSICS FOR LOVERS

Customer Reviews:

Greatest Collection of Classical I have........2006-12-14

I don't care much for compilation CDs. Usually they are someone else's favorite set of songs from that genre or composer. I usually like the songs, but when I get into listening to the other songs in the genre or by the same composer I find songs that I'm more fond of.

This collection is different.

I try not to be too generous with my top ratings in iTunes for songs, I don't give out a four or five stars to just anything, but many of the songs from this collection make up a good chunk of my top rated songs. I just love this collection.

This is not a good digital recording.......1999-07-27

There is a 'record player' hum in the background when you try to listen to various tracks on these CDs. The compilation is wonderful. The Quality of the recording is very disappointing. The outside of the album cover reads DDD which I thought to mean clean and clear all digital recording. Don't be deceived by the cover.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Music Review

False

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